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The power of communication. Modifying behaviour: effectively influencing nutrition patterns of patients

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 59, pages S17–S22 (2005)Cite this article

Abstract

Every year 7000 people die from obesity and another 13 000 people die by wrong diets in The Netherlands. Part of this problem can be solved when the communication between general practitioners (GPs) and patients about nutrition and diets improves. There are four activities that can contribute greatly to the communication between GPs and their patients. (1) GPs can ask nonjudgemental questions that help to understand their patients' perspective on the illness, its causes and possible treatments. (2) GPs can listen carefully to their patients' replies and try to pick up clues to their understanding as well as their ability to adhere to a recommended treatment. (3) GPs can work with patients and family members to set realistic and achievable goals for behavioural change. (4) GPs can involve their patients in active problem solving. The role that practitioners play in changing patients' behaviour to healthy lifestyles is more similar to a coach. They should be along the sideline, empowering patients, helping them develop their own healthy lifestyles. When GPs apply these principles in daily practice, they will find out that they can effectively influence the nutrition patterns of their patients.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. De Presentatie Groep, Bloemendaal, The Netherlands

    F R T Koster & J A Baartmans

  2. TNO Quality of Life/Work and Employment, Hoofddorp, The Netherlands

    M W Verheijden

Authors
  1. F R T Koster
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  2. M W Verheijden
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  3. J A Baartmans
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Correspondence to F R T Koster.

Additional information

Discussion after Baartmans

Van Binsbergen. Some obese patients already are sick; then we have the problem of secondary prevention. They will be more motivated to change. That makes a difference.

Van Weel: There is long list of other problems where in the same way GP's can make a contribution, but it is obvious that the GP will not (alone) solve obesity in the population. We have to make the population aware of the problem, and industry. There will be always a group in society with low chances, and they need a GP to help them.

Brug: Obesity is the most difficult problem that we see. Since obesity is not a single behaviour, but the result of 2500 different behaviours. For every single behaviour you can apply the stages of change model. Somebody may be in the action stage for low fat milk, but in the precontemplation stage for reducing soda consumption.

Truswell: I do believe that what has changed during the last 3 y in society has made it easier for doctors to speak out about it. A few years ago, if the doctor would have said to the patient: ‘You look a bit too fat’, some patients might have felt insulted. Overweight was not taken seriously but now it is repeatedly in the media and politically important. Patients are more likely to accept being told they are overweight and prepared to discuss strategies to change it.

Ockhuizen: I was thinking about the role of the family doctor. Let us be realistic. One-third of the population are overweight; this is up to 1000 patients of every GP. It takes three consultations to handle it; this is, 3000 consultations per year. I think this is too much for the average family doctor; the successful approach must be in the community setting.

Baartmans: Real success in fighting your obesity can only be achieved if you have shoulders to lean on. The doctor is one of them. Doctors can empower patients when patients trust their doctor as being a professional. Their unique position compared to others is that doctors can build on earlier investments in an existing relationship. This advantage is exceptional. Other important roles are for family and friends and neighbours. We should inform doctors to take this relationship as a starting point and train them to stay positive in conversation with obese patients.

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Koster, F., Verheijden, M. & Baartmans, J. The power of communication. Modifying behaviour: effectively influencing nutrition patterns of patients. Eur J Clin Nutr 59 (Suppl 1), S17–S22 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602169

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